CONYERS -- The Rockdale County Board of Education doesn't have to approve a 2013-14 school year budget until June, but the planning already has started.

The system's new fiscal year will begin July 1.

On Jan. 10, officials from Rockdale County Public Schools plan to present preliminary staffing assignments for next school year to the school board during its first work session of the calendar year. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the board room at the RCPS central complex, which is located at 954 North Main St. in Olde Town Conyers. On Jan. 17, the board is expected to approve the staffing plan.

This month, they also plan to place a budget suggestion form on the website, www.rockdale.k12.ga.us, to gain input from the public.

From February until April, school and system administrators will prepare and review budget proposals at schools and for central office departments, and the budget committee will prepare a system budget.

The first public meeting to discuss the budget is scheduled to be held at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in the board room. The next public meeting for budget discussions will be at 6:30 p.m. June 13 in the same location.

Staffing and salary schedules will be determined in April.

Officials plan to present a proposed budget to the board on May 9, and the board is expected to adopt a tentative budget on May 16.

The board is expected to approve a final budget on June 14 and a millage rate in July or August, usually depending on when final tax figures are available.